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I won't start to panic: Malthouse

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 17 April 2013 | 20.48

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has defended the Blues' poor start to the season, claiming success isn't about winning or losing.

Robert Warnock could play his first game for the season against West Coast on Saturday night. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse patrols the boundary line. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MICK Malthouse - the man lured to Carlton to land the club's 17th flag on a deal worth millions - says it's not about wins and losses.

The Blues have lost their opening three matches and face West Coast on Saturday night in Perth.

A loss to the Eagles would mean Carlton would have to defy history to play finals - no side under the eight-team finals format has played in September after starting 0-4.

"It's not about win-loss, it's about process," Malthouse said.

"It's the process, it'll always be the process. And when you look after the process, the results will look after themselves.

"People will love to go, 'Look at your scoreline'.

"Let's look at it. We're two games out of the eight, or one game, I don't even know what the ladder is. So what's the big deal?

Ron Reed: We don't care about processes, Mick

"It's are we playing good football? Yes we are, in patches.

"Are we playing good enough to beat our opponents? No, because we're not doing that for a full game."

When it was suggested that Carlton supporters would be wanting a win soon, Malthouse said he would not be panicked.

"Win game one to game 22, that's the supporters," Malthouse said.

"I can't help the supporters. All I can do is help the side.

"The supporters are there, we love the supporters, we want to get 50,000 members. We're zip and three, what do you want me to do, turn it around?

"It's got to be process driven."

In VFL-AFL history only four teams have started 0-4 and made the finals; North Melbourne in 1975 in a 12-team competition was the only side to go on to win the flag.

The Blues were considering recalling Levi Casboult and Rob Warnock to cover for injured ruckman Matthew Kreuzer (thumb) against the tall Eagles.

Warnock's 2012 season was ruined by a shoulder injury. He hasn't played since Round 14.

Jarrad Waite and Eddie Betts are not expected to play this weekend.

Malthouse defended captain Marc Murphy, who has been criticised for his defensive efforts, which Geelong exposed last week when Taylor Hunt kicked three goals on him.

"Marc, incidentally, got one of our votes," he said.

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Swan wants to stay on with Pies

Magpie Dane Swan (centre) at Collingwood training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Dane Swan in action against Hawthorn last Sunday. Source: Herald Sun

CONTROVERSIAL midfielder Dane Swan wants to play on with Collingwood beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of next year.

Swan, who against Richmond on Saturday will play his 200th AFL match, has said previously he would give the game away when his existing deal ran out.

But the 29-year-old revealed last night that he had changed his mind - partly because he felt he still owed the club more.

"I am certainly not going to be Dustin Fletcher and play until I am 38," Swan told The Club on Fox Footy on Wednesday night.

"I am contracted until the end of next season and hopefully I can go around at least once or twice more.

"While I am able to contribute at a reasonably high level, I would like to think I would still be around, (but) the footy club would have to have me first."

Swan also said:

* HE had no intention of playing for another AFL club when his time at Collingwood was over.

* HE still owed the club more than it owed him, for saving his career "when it was going down the toilet".

* IF all the rumours about him were true, "I'd be dead".

Also during the interview, which the Herald Sun reported on last night, Swan admitted he wanted to change the public perception of him.

"There is a perception of me out there," he said.

"Whether it's right or whether it's not, I suppose the damage has been done.

"But I'm slowly trying to repair it because I don't like my parents and family listening to talk-back radio and reading social media tweets."

Swan said his family had been hurt by what has been said about him.

"When your mum rings you up and you hear she is upset on the phone, that's when you probably realise that enough is enough," he said.

Swan said the life of an AFL footballler can be a "horrible world" and understands how it could lead to depression.

"I can understand how some AFL players could get depression," he said.

Picture gallery: Swan warms up for game 200

"Sometimes it can be a real horrible world for AFL footballers, even though we do have a great lifestyle.

"Just the media backlash you cop and the social media outbursts and the rants on all the websites and blogs.

"If you didn't have thick skin or you didn't handle negative words really well, I can understand why a player could suffer from depression."

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Veteran Hille poised for recall

Essendon ruckman David Hille (left) is set for an AFL recall this weekend. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE unbeaten Bombers hope Michael Hurley will prove his fitness at training today, before the Round 4 clash with St Kilda.

But Dustin Fletcher is all but ruled out with groin soreness, while small forward Nick Kommer and ruck/forward Paddy Ryder are suspended.

It had raised hopes Daniher might make his debut, but David Hille is on top of the list to replace Ryder despite missing last week's VFL game with soreness.

Small defender Mark Baguley is certain to return if he overcomes knee soreness, given St Kilda's fleet of small forwards.

And Jason Winderlich is a chance to make his senior return after three weeks of solid form in the VFL, following groin issues during summer.

While Essendon's match committee will consider the make-up of the team against St Kilda, the club's depth means it could rest some VFL players, then play them next Thursday on Anzac Day against Collingwood.

With Winderlich and Round 3 emergency Jackson Merrett pushing for Kommer's spot, Leroy Jetta might again be on the outer despite 26 possessions in last week's VFL loss.

The door might open for Gumbleton, who has played 28 games in six seasons, only if Hurley did not play.

Football manager Steve Alessio said Hille was in the picture to make his 2013 debut after signing a one-year contract extension.

"Hille was a late withdrawal, but luckily we took that option with Paddy Ryder's suspension," Alessio said.

"He is right in contention. He is a fair chance of getting up this weekend in the senior team. We would expect him to get up and play this weekend, if he trains well.

"You could also throw Gumbleton into the mix. We will look at the blend of talls against St Kilda."

Winderlich tore his groin in his 100th game in Round 19 last year after a slashing four-goal performance, but kicked eight goals in the VFL a fortnight ago.

"He is doing everything right. He has slowly increased his workload and quality of game and he has kicked stacks of goals, and he's another one strongly putting his hand up this week."

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'I'm so proud, thank you so much'

Bombers coach James Hird celebrates beating Fremantle with David Zaharakis (left) and Ben Howlett. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON coach James Hird delivered an emotional speech to his players in the Subiaco rooms last Friday night, in which he thanked them and told of his pride after their win over Fremantle.

On Fox Footy program The Hangar last night, Hird's post-match speech to his players following the win was shown.

In it, Hird - who this week met with ASADA investigators - told his players just how much the win meant to him and the club.

"Anything is possible if you continue to play with that hunger and train with that hunger," Hird said.

James Hird and the players belt out the team song after beating Fremantle. Source: Herald Sun

"I'm so proud of you, I thank you so much. I personally...just thank you, thank you."

READ HIRD'S FULL SPEECH TO HIS PLAYERS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY

Inspirational skipper Jobe Watson was not to be outdone, jumping in following Hird's speech to declare his solid support for the club.

"From a player's perspective, the way the club is handling it and the people around it, it's comforting to come to the club and see these people here," he said.

How sweet it is. Source: Getty Images

"Because you know the people inside the football club care about you and they're the people you can lean on.

"So, I'm saying it now - I know when I get around the club that we'll be OK.

"It's special because of the people in this room."

Hird's full speech to the players in the rooms following the win:

"Let's talk about pressure and the way you handled that pressure. We didn't handle it well early, did we?

"They were much better than us early. You're going to have to handle more pressure than that - finals are big games.

"But to come from five goals or six goals down at Subiaco and beat a very, very good team and run them off their legs, it's an incredible effort.

"And I think Jobe you said it at the start of the game, let's coach ourselves out on the ground.

"That's what leadership is all about - coaching yourself when things aren't going right. Well done to everyone in this footy club, tonight was an amazing effort. Everything has been incredible - we just have to keep it going, alright?

"You've got to enjoy your win, get to bed when you get to bed, wake up the next morning in the hotel (laughs) and let's go after St Kilda.

"Anything is possible if you continue to play with that hunger and train with that hunger. I'm so proud of you, I thank you so much. I personally...just thank you, thank you."

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Bombers told to seek counsel

Essendon coach James Hird leaves his home yesterday, a day after speaking with ASADA investigators. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON players have been given access to a range of mental health experts as a leading sports psychologist says they can continue their winning streak during the drugs investigation.

Coach James Hird was interviewed by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority on Tuesday, with investigators to talk to players next week.

The Bombers' unbeaten run will be challenged by two games in five days - against St Kilda on Saturday then Thursday's Anzac Day clash with Collingwood - which bookend ASADA's talks with senior players.

Carlton great Robert Walls is one expert who wonders if Essendon players will eventually be overcome by the burden of playing while under investigation.

Essendon says it continues to offer players a range of counselling programs, with the AFL Players Association also offering its support.

Sports psychologist Noel Blundell said yesterday he saw no reason why Essendon's players would become overwhelmed after three straight wins.

"It's amazing when players have to address peer issues off the field, they grow stronger," Blundell said.

"It's a real challenge to the culture of the club, and so far they seem to be handling it all well.

"If Essendon was smart it would have sat down as the process evolved and come up with a clear overall plan."

Bombers football manager Steve Alessio said the players were being encouraged to confront any problems head-on.

"Certainly, that's the case in-house," Alessio said.

"It's not only the psychologists, it's a lot of senior coaches and senior people around the club (who are providing support). If anyone has issues, whoever they feel most comfortable talking to, we want them to raise those issues.

"That's the big challenge with everything going on, to ensure that from the playing group the focus continues to be on the game and so far we can't fault the boys with their focus."

Walls wondered if the players might hit a brick wall this weekend as the investigation took its toll.

"They are in a bubble at the moment," Walls said.

"Confidence is on the upswing but this isn't going away and you just have to wonder how long can they keep this up? I have a feeling, eventually, it will get them down."

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Giant whack for Brogan

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 16 April 2013 | 20.48

Dean Brogan was sent straight to the tribunal after an AFL investigation. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Herald Sun

Dean Brogan leave the AFL tribunal. Source: Herald Sun

A WARNING to players on high bumps was reinforced last night with GWS Giants ruckman Dean Brogan suspended for three matches.

Brogan was found guilty of rough conduct against St Kilda midfielder Jack Newnes who needed surgery to repair a fractured jaw yesterday.

It's another massive setback for the Giants preparing to play Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday - key forward Jon Patton is out with a knee injury and midfielder Devon Smith accepted a one-game penalty for rough conduct.

The AFL Tribunal assessed Brogan's hit on Newnes as negligent conduct with high impact and rated it as worth 300 demerit points and the three match penalty.

Brogan argued that he instinctively turned and braced for contact when Newnes deliberately cut across his path as the 201 cms ruckman ran towards the interchange bench midway through the opening quarter at Canberra last Saturday.

"I saw Jack getting ready to come into my path by lowering his centre of gravity to give me a decent bump,'' he said.

"I braced, we collided. I didn't think the contact was that significant. I don't expect to be checked or bumped or hit when you're going to the interchange with the ball so far away.

"It was lucky I saw it otherwise I would've been the one on the ground.''

Brogan said he was shocked when Saint Lenny Hayes told him that Newnes had to be subbed out of the game with concussion at quarter-time when they shook hands at the end of the game.

He said he "made a beeline'' to Newnes to apologise and said he was upset and texted the injured Saint when he heard that an X-ray had revealed a fracture on the right side of the jaw.

Asked by AFL legal counsel Jeff Gleeson where he struck Newnes, Brogan said:"I can't explain where I hit him.'

'The Giants big man said he was "fully aware'' of the league's crackdown on "a lot of stuff'' off the ball.Newnes said in a statement to an AFL investigations officer that "I decided to run over and bump (Brogan) to provide a presence."

He said he felt contact to the jaw, but couldn't be more specific.

"I think I stayed on my feet, but I don't remember too much after that,'' he said.

St Kilda trainer Andrew Waddington told the hearing that he saw the clash as he ran towards Newnes with a drink bottle.

"I saw his (Brogan) shoulder come up. The elbow wasn't out, but considering his height, I believe that's what hit Jack,'' he said.

Medical reports submitted by the Saints said Newnes was "dazed and confused'' when taken off for a formal assessment and eventually subbed out at quarter time.

He was sent for a scan and X-ray after complaining of soreness to the jaw and he's expected to miss at least the next two rounds.

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Varcoe to undergo surgery

Geelong's Travis Varcoe faces up to three months on the sidelines with a serious shoulder injury. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG'S Travis Varcoe's will have shoulder surgery and will not return until late in the season.

Varcoe dislocated his left shoulder in the opening quarter of Saturday night's win against Carlton at Etihad Stadium.

The 26-year-old played just one game last season because of stress fractures in his foot.

"We're expecting the things to happen that we thought would happen," Cats football manager Neil Balme told the AFL website.

"They'll probably do (the operation) pretty much straight away, I would think."

There are a few more injury worries at Geelong.

Midfielder James Kelly is battling a lower leg issue and is only a 50-50 chance to meet Sydney.

While forward Steve Johnson has suffered a knock to his right knee, not the one he just underwent surgery on, and is in some doubt.

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Robinson's emails tracked

High performance manager Dean Robinson. Source: Herald Sun

AFL investigators have examined every email sent by the man who brought disgraced sports scientist Stephen Dank into the league.

The team has analysed all correspondence from high-performance manager Dean Robinson at the three clubs - Geelong, Gold Coast and Essendon - where he has worked since 2007.

Robinson, who was stood down by the Bombers in February, introduced Dank to Windy Hill last year and Dank was placed in charge of the club's supplements program.

Dank worked part-time alongside Robinson at Gold Coast in 2010, but he was never employed by Geelong, where Robinson worked from 2007-10.

The forensic examination involves a search through the computer files of each club.

While the Cats and Suns are yet to officially hear the result of the investigation into their high-performance departments where Robinson played a key role, they are understood to have been cleared of any problems.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou yesterday confirmed the sports science program of every other club in the league had been examined since the Essendon drugs scandal broke.

"We have audited every club's use of supplements, and we've got those results back and we are comfortable with what is being administered at present," Demetriou said.

"We have also banned the use of IVs and we have restricted the use of injections.

"We have asked all people at football clubs to register their backgrounds and their CVs and what sports they have worked in.

"We have gone great lengths to mitigate the risk of this happening again."

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My chance to tell the truth: Hird

Essendon coach James Hird says he enjoyed the chance to tell the truth. Source: Herald Sun

Mark Thompson has spoken of the strain James Hird is under as the Essendon coach faces an ASADA investigation.

A DEFIANT James Hird said last night he had enjoyed the chance to "tell the truth" during a marathon interrogation by ASADA investigators.

The embattled Essendon coach spent several hours at AFL House answering questions about his involvement in the drugs scandal that is threatening his career and the careers of his players.

"I welcomed the opportunity to tell the truth today," Hird said in a statement released by his legal firm last night.

It is believed there were no surprises for Hird during the interview, with Hird satisfied he was a step closer to clearing his name.

Investigators track Dean Robinson's emails

The Bombers' former sports scientist, Stephen Dank, has alleged he injected Hird with the peptide Hexarelin, which is banned for players but not coaches.

Dank has also said that Hird had a thorough knowledge of the supplement program implemented for the players that is the focus of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation.

Essendon has been unable to guarantee its players were not injected with substances that are banned under World Anti-Doping Agency regulations.

The method of supplement delivery, including intravenous injections, is also a key part of the inquiry.

In his statement last night, Hird said: "Today I attended an interview with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and the AFL Integrity Officers.

Review clears mainstream injections

"At the interview I fully co-operated and truthfully answered every question that was put to me by the investigators.

"I will not do anything to impede the ASADA and AFL investigation and will continue to co-operate fully."

Hird missed training to attend the meeting, where he was questioned simultaneously by ASADA investigators and the AFL probity team.

ASADA routinely has two of its personnel lead interviews with persons of interest in its probes.

Hird was accompanied by his legal team, including Queen's Counsel Tony Nolan.

Hird a fans' poster boy

Everything said in the interview was recorded and will be used in ASADA's case against the Bombers.

Hird is expected to be interviewed again, with ASADA believed to have slated up to three days to speak with him.
The Bombers' playing list is next on the ASADA schedule, with every player, plus those who have left since last year, to be interviewed in a process that could take months.

Hird was defiant after Friday's victory against Fremantle, repeating his belief that he had done nothing wrong and that he was looking forward to telling his side of the story.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou had strongly hinted that the Bombers coach should stand aside while the investigation took its course.

Yesterday morning, Hird met his lawyersbefore travelling to AFL House.

Asked if he was confident he could clear his name, Hird said: "Yes, mate. I'm feeling good."

He got support from assistant coach Mark Thompson, who said Hird's mind was on the job.

"He is strong. He needs support and care, and he goes up and down, but he's still coaching well and he's a strong man," Thompson said.

Meanwhile, Essendon fans are unlikely to see every word of former Telstra chief Ziggy Switkowski's much-anticipated report on what happened at Windy Hill last year.

Only the recommendations, which could be damning for a number of officials, will be made public.

The AFL will see the entire report, likely to be completed within the next week, but the club believes there are confidentiality issues in regard to the full transcript being released.

Dons fan Switkowski was called in by chairman David Evans in February to do a full review of governance and processes at the club.

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Enough is enough, says Swan

Magpie Dane Swan (centre) at Collingwood training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Dane Swan in action against Hawthorn last Sunday. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD superstar Dane Swan has revealed he is trying to repair the public's perception of him but admits the damage may have been done.

The Brownlow Medallist is one of the most talked-about players in the AFL.

Rumours swirled about him over the off-season and it resulted in the high-profile Swan granting Channel Nine's The Footy Show an interview with him without the club's permission.

Speaking on Fox Footy's The Club program ahead of his 200th game against Richmond at the MCG on Saturday, Swan said he is sick of the rumours and wanted to change the perception of him for the sake of his family.